[Q] Recovery Help Please - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hello all, maybe you guys can help me out. I have an ATT S4 on MDL firmware with the old boot loader. I wanted to flash a new ROM yesterday and decided I would use Odin to re install my MDL firmware before I flashed to clean up some old files that a wipe wasn't getting rid of. I have done this plenty of times before and never had a problem. Anyway, I re installed the MDL firmware - everything went fine. Then rooted and that went fine. I then downloaded CWM and that's where the problem started. It downloaded fine but then when I tried to boot into recovery it will not boot into custom recovery - just the standard stock recovery. I checked and the file did download to the correct place but for some reason it is not installing. I also tried TWRP and Philz and no luck either. Other than that the phone is fine. Everything works and it is rooted it just will not install the recovery no matter what I try.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Did you ever check the md5 of the downloads? I'd make sure they were good and then try to flash the recovery

jd1639 said:
Did you ever check the md5 of the downloads? I'd make sure they were good and then try to flash the recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi jd, yes sir. Checked MD5 and that was fine. Also downloaded Odin and Motochopper again just in case something was wrong there and everything was fine.

Fixed
Found a solution. There is a flash-able TWRP file in the TWRP thread that you can flash with an app from the Play Store called Flashify,

7STANG said:
Found a solution. There is a flash-able TWRP file in the TWRP thread that you can flash with an app from the Play Store called Flashify,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear you got it running

Related

How to Unbrick SGS4

I bricked it. I had TWRP installed, and running a debloated Odexed version of Stock. I attempted to flash Slim Bean 6.5 Weekly with Aroma addons. The Aroma ended up borking my recovery. It bootloops pre-recovery mode. I can get into Download mode and Odin'd back to Stock, but it's still won't go into recovery and vibrate loops with a black screen.
Anyone know how to fix this? Damn locked bootloader!!!
Did you try and reflash recovery ? Does the phone boot up once you restore via Odin ?
Have you tried flashing twrp via Odin?
I have not tried flashing TWRP with Odin... is there a Odin version of TWRP?
It did not boot after flashing stock. I'd like to Odin TWRP if it's available.
I found an Odin TWRP.tar for SGS3, but nothing for S4, yet. Need a little more help.
Did you try rooting and flashing twrp via goomanager? I had something similar happen to me on my skyrocket and that's how I fixed it.
Aroma does not work on the GS4 yet. At least that is what I have been reading.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
TheAxman said:
Aroma does not work on the GS4 yet. At least that is what I have been reading.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This version of CWM claims to work with Aroma on the S4...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2322682
scott14719 said:
This version of CWM claims to work with Aroma on the S4...
well lets take a look see...shall we. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
came across this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2281287
it converts an img to an odin-flashable tar.
i went ahead and converted the latest twrp img for the at&t S4 and have attached it. i have not tested it as i am not near my device at the moment. if you decide to try it, unzip the tar.md5 and flash at your own risk as i have not tested this method by @cabloomi.
False aroma works fine with twrp on a gs4.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
This happened to me. Use odin to put TWRP back on. You'll be fine.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah I had this a couple different times trying to get rid of the custom/lock icon boot up. Flash fresh stock rom, root it and install recovery with "Root and Recovery for ATT-TMO GS4-CASUAL-R527b" --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900 then flash the recovery you want etc, and restore Nandroid of backed up rom. Worked for me!
Everyone keeps saying to Odin TWRP like it's a common thing. I have yet to find a Odin version of TWRP that's loki'd for the S4. If you have done this, and it worked, please supply a link to the correct file. In this case an Odin version of TWRP. Thank you
JJ5150 said:
I bricked it. I had TWRP installed, and running a debloated Odexed version of Stock. I attempted to flash Slim Bean 6.5 Weekly with Aroma addons. The Aroma ended up borking my recovery. It bootloops pre-recovery mode. I can get into Download mode and Odin'd back to Stock, but it's still won't go into recovery and vibrate loops with a black screen.
Anyone know how to fix this? Damn locked bootloader!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar issue. When you hold the key combination to boot into recovery, do it for more than one cycle. Sometime for some reason it doesn't take the first time so keep holding the buttons. After getting into android recovery, clear cache and reset the phone.
JJ5150 said:
Everyone keeps saying to Odin TWRP like it's a common thing. I have yet to find a Odin version of TWRP that's loki'd for the S4. If you have done this, and it worked, please supply a link to the correct file. In this case an Odin version of TWRP. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I had the problem is sounds like your having I Odined the Stock image back to the phone and then cleared the dalvik and cache with the stock recovery menu, then I was able to boot, I then rooted and used the debloater program found here on the forums and then just downloaded goomanager and installed TWRP, the one it pushes is LOKIed for you.
This is also the only .img file I can find for the our version of TWRP. IIRC you can use Odin to flash it
EDIT: Like trublu said, you may have to do it several times (clearing the caches in the stock recovery after ODIN)
JJ5150 said:
Everyone keeps saying to Odin TWRP like it's a common thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are correct in that twrp has not posted tars on their website yet for download. they have, however, posted imgs. find a way or find someone to convert that img to an odin-flashable tar and you'll be all set.
JJ5150 said:
I have yet to find a Odin version of TWRP that's loki'd for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe that all s4 recoveries are "loki'd", if you will.
xBeerdroiDx said:
you are correct in that twrp has not posted tars on their website yet for download. they have, however, posted imgs. find a way or find someone to convert that img to an odin-flashable tar and you'll be all set.
i believe that all s4 recoveries are "loki'd", if you will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Tmo and Sprint variants do not require Loki'd recoveries, as their bootloaders are not locked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
After trying many options available to me such as, Flashing Stock with Odin and trying to access recovery via the three finger method, and trying to convert a TWRP.img file to a .tar file... which I managed to successfully flash, but to no avail. I'm stuck at the vibrating boot loop dead screen, soft brick scenario.
I found these guys in a similar thread http://mobiletechvideos.com/
I called them and they were really nice and professional. I shipped out my phone for Brick Repair today. I believe I'll be happy with the results from these guys from they way they conduct themselves in their videos.
I'll report back when I have my fixed, unbricked S4 back in my hands
JJ5150 said:
After trying many options available to me such as, Flashing Stock with Odin and trying to access recovery via the three finger method, and trying to convert a TWRP.img file to a .tar file... which I managed to successfully flash, but to no avail. I'm stuck at the vibrating boot loop dead screen, soft brick scenario.
I found these guys in a similar thread http://mobiletechvideos.com/
I called them and they were really nice and professional. I shipped out my phone for Brick Repair today. I believe I'll be happy with the results from these guys from they way they conduct themselves in their videos.
I'll report back when I have my fixed, unbricked S4 back in my hands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do great work..used them 2 years ago. With a mytouch..ouch..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
JJ5150 said:
After trying many options available to me such as, Flashing Stock with Odin and trying to access recovery via the three finger method, and trying to convert a TWRP.img file to a .tar file... which I managed to successfully flash, but to no avail. I'm stuck at the vibrating boot loop dead screen, soft brick scenario.
I found these guys in a similar thread http://mobiletechvideos.com/
I called them and they were really nice and professional. I shipped out my phone for Brick Repair today. I believe I'll be happy with the results from these guys from they way they conduct themselves in their videos.
I'll report back when I have my fixed, unbricked S4 back in my hands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's called Jtag repair. And the guys you mentioned have saved many a ass with it. I've seen several good results. Unless something else is found, it is the only way I know of to fix a truly bricked phone. Some people (those who flash a lot and Dev a lot) have their own Jtag boxes.
BTW, which tool / method did you use to convert the .img to a TAR? I've seen a couple of methods and a tool or two but I was wondering if you used something I don't know about? TIA.

[Solved]Need help after formatting internal storage! Soft Brick

I truly need the community's help on this one. Trying to fix a rom that I was using, I decided to wipe everything to reflash it. However, some how I read the thread wrong. Using TWRP, I formatted the "internal storage" thinking that was going to fix my Rom problems.
Now, I can't boot into the Rom or any rom, unless I wipe everything and restore one of my back ups. I restored a back up and it booted, but my data is jacked and phone service is not operable. I thought maybe a reboot will fix it, and now my phone is stuck at "Samsung Galaxy S 4". It doesn't move from there.
What should I do? How do I get it it continue the boot into the rom after a regular reboot? How do I get my radio back?
It's funny to me because I usually never get this careless with my phone. So I can laugh about it but damn I have to figure this one out!
Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am by know means an expert but I think you may have to start here with the firmware files then try and flash your backup http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2338919
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
Thanks Chief, let me try that!
Thanks Chief. Unfortunately, that didn't work. I used Odin to flash the Firmware files and let it reboot. I'm still stuck at the Samsung Gal...boot screen. Let me try manually going into recovery and restoring.
Any other ideas? Anyone?
Kenjari said:
Thanks Chief. Unfortunately, that didn't work. I used Odin to flash the Firmware files and let it reboot. I'm still stuck at the Samsung Gal...boot screen. Let me try manually going into recovery and restoring.
Any other ideas? Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried flashing the complete odin ROM? You can find the all in one somewhere on the dev thread, it has rom, kernel, firmware and the rom all in one as it came from samsung. That should take care of your problem. It will wipe everything, or I think there was also a thread somewhere with odin flashables that didn't wipe data or internal sd but I can't seem to find it right now.
ifly4vamerica said:
Have you tried flashing the complete odin ROM? You can find the all in one somewhere on the dev thread, it has rom, kernel, firmware and the rom all in one as it came from samsung. That should take care of your problem. It will wipe everything, or I think there was also a thread somewhere with odin flashables that didn't wipe data or internal sd but I can't seem to find it right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I'm on the target. I'm currently waiting for this tar that will unroot the phone. It is MDL but I will update and reroot. I hope this does the ticket. I'm going to use Odin to flash it or unroot.
Well strike two. That didn't work either. I downloaded a unrooted MDL tar and connected to Odin. When through the entire process and it rebooted. It still is stuck at "Samsung Galaxy S4".
I read on the Nexus 7 that I might have to reflash a system.img and boot.img? Someone else had a similar experience on the N7 and had to download it via flashdrive and then install via recovery. I'm not saying that's the case but I wonder if I need to reflash a boot.img or something.
Please help. Not sure where to go at this point. Unrooting didn't help.
Try downloading this file extract the tar and flash that in PC Odin. (don't check repartion!).
That is the full stock MF9 firmware, boot, recovery, kernel and ROM.
Then maybe use CF Autoroot, then goomanger to get twrp and flash one of your nand's
Progress made.
leaderbuilder said:
Try downloading this file extract the tar and flash that in PC Odin. (don't check repartion!).
That is the full stock MF9 firmware, boot, recovery, kernel and ROM.
Then maybe use CF Autoroot, then goomanger to get twrp and flash one of your nand's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
leader, chief, ifly4,...I'm making progress.
leader, actually I flashed a previous version, the MDL via Odin. At first it didn't boot as stated in my previous post. I decided to wipe and factory reset. """"Bingo"""" it booted. Now I'm on MDL and unrooted. However, I transferred my phone over to a previous device so I can't update profile and prl. I'm going to activate the phone and see if it works. For some reason I can't can't seem to get a radio signal on it. It shows the be O with the slash in the middle. This is what it looked like before I deactivated it and lost everything before.
I post back with results. Not quite solved yet.
Thanks leader and everyone else.
Sound like your on the wrong firmware/baseband. what does your modem/baseband say?
Yeeessssss
leaderbuilder said:
Sound like your on the wrong firmware/baseband. what does your modem/baseband say?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says L720VPUAMDL. I actually got it going. I had to change it from WCDMA to CDMA and reset. Now I'm unrooted. and going. However, leader, is there away to update the modem/baseband before I root? Or should I root then flash the MF9 Modem?
if you got MDL to activate you can jst take the OTA update to MF9. It will update it all.
Then use CF-Autoroot to gain root. After that same - install goomanager from Playstore and use it to install TWRP.
leaderbuilder said:
if you got MDL to activate you can jst take the OTA update to MF9. It will update it all.
Then use CF-Autoroot to gain root. After that same - install goomanager from Playstore and use it to install TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Hey thanks again leader for helping me out. I'm usually never careless with these things. I use SACS rom but decided to try Miui. From some reason every time I flash Miui, I get the "Roaming Indicator Off" thing along with two signals. Reading the thread it suggest to format the internal. Why oh Why did I try that step. The rest is history....
Thanks again. Learned a lot with this process.
Glad you got it working.
There is a 'thanks' button too.
leaderbuilder said:
Glad you got it working.
There is a 'thanks' button too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No doubt. I got to remember that!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
Glad to hear you got it going.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
leaderbuilder said:
Try downloading this file extract the tar and flash that in PC Odin. (don't check repartion!).
That is the full stock MF9 firmware, boot, recovery, kernel and ROM.
Then maybe use CF Autoroot, then goomanger to get twrp and flash one of your nand's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!

[Q] Need s4 19500 MJ5 Stock Kernel

Can anyone Help, I'm looking for the Stock s4 19500 XXUEMJ5 Kernel, as you may know Hot File is now dead and I can't seem to find one. After checking the "fake system status" option in wanam Xposed I was surprised to see after reboot a package update downloading, I try install the update via CWM recovery but the android robot has a cardiac arrest, I'm assuming the install needs to be installed via the Stock recovery to work, (right or wrong?). Anyone know where I may find the Stock Kernel/recovery or does anyone know a trick to install via CWM recovery.
Many Thanks in advance.
If the android robot has a cardiac arrest.. this mean u haven't install one CUSTOM Recovery in ur phone. Try flashing by Odin: TWRP, CWM or Philz Touch
Joku1981 said:
If the android robot has a cardiac arrest.. this mean u haven't install one CUSTOM Recovery in ur phone. Try flashing by Odin: TWRP, CWM or Philz Touch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many Thanks for Your Reply! I Was Flashing the Update using CWM but as I said it failed, I was assuming the reason being that the md5 signature reading is different between stock recovery, (but I'm Just a noob), and that of CWM. I tried to find the downloaded file but with no success, I assume it was in the Cloud with Samsung otherwise I if I had the downloaded file in my hands so to speak I my have been able to investigate it a little further. If you have any ideas "Prey Tell" Again Thanks for Your Reply and Kind Regards to You!:good:
asia559571 said:
Many Thanks for Your Reply! I Was Flashing the Update using CWM but as I said it failed, I was assuming the reason being that the md5 signature reading is different between stock recovery, (but I'm Just a noob), and that of CWM. I tried to find the downloaded file but with no success, I assume it was in the Cloud with Samsung otherwise I if I had the downloaded file in my hands so to speak I my have been able to investigate it a little further. If you have any ideas "Prey Tell" Again Thanks for Your Reply and Kind Regards to You!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the name of the file downloaded?
Joku1981 said:
What is the name of the file downloaded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Joku1981. It's headed as Update Package, 48.5MB in size and its for Improved stability with an option to install now or later. Oh! the updater widget is called, Software update v3_1309_2_1 and v6_1309_3_1 in Titanium.

I think i Messed up

guys ii really need some help.
i downloaded BTU-N9005XXUENB7-20140310153913 and flashed it via odin while in download mode. the flash was successful but now all im seeing is "recovery booting" on the phone and its just staying there?
ii was on stock rom 4.3 rooted with custom recovery before flashing the 4.4.2 file in odin. have i f****d my phone?
i did the same thing as i did last time iand it worked but im not sure whats going on here?
please can someone help me please:crying::crying::crying::crying:
Same happened to me when i used mobile Odin. The bootloader wasn't updated.
Did you use Odin 1.85? And did you tick the option update new bootloader? If not do that.
If did that then wipe cache and data reset from recovery.
kenny1991 said:
Same happened to me when i used mobile Odin. The bootloader wasn't updated.
Did you use Odin 1.85? And did you tick the option update new bootloader? If not do that.
If did that then wipe cache and data reset from recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i used the wrong version of odin. i used 1.85 now its working, but i didnt select update bootloader, how do i know if it updated the bootloader?
You know if the phone is up and running. Kitkat can't boot without new bootloader. So if the phone is working there is no issues.
kenny1991 said:
You know if the phone is up and running. Kitkat can't boot without new bootloader. So if the phone is working there is no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
last thing. im trying to install TWRP . i have the tar file from their site. i used odin 1.85 and 3 and flashed pda. odin says its done but it wont boot into TWRP it just reboots.
edit: i used mobile odin and its all good thanks for all your help
You welcome
thedan55 said:
last thing. im trying to install TWRP . i have the tar file from their site. i used odin 1.85 and 3 and flashed pda. odin says its done but it wont boot into TWRP it just reboots.
edit: i used mobile odin and its all good thanks for all your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just FYI,
if you want to flash TW custom ROM, the best you use is Chenglu CWM. So far I seldom see user complain got problem during flashing with this CWM.
TWRP, some users got problem, some are not.

[Q] I don't get it

I had to Odin and went back to ncg. I have searched and posted in relevant forums and no answers that work. I am rooted have safestrap and I have flashfire. I would like to go up to the new MOAR rom. For some reason when I try to flash anything with safestrap it fails everytime, just shows updating partitions and then a red failed.
When I try with flashfire I can not see zips on my SD or internal. Everyone says it should work fine. It doesnt. I did repatriation with pit when going to ncg. I try flashing the stock rooted OA8 and it fails. Any help is super appreciated. I did not have trouble when I first got the phone and rooted but I started at OA8 and went to ncg.
Is there no solution?
jhr5474 said:
Is there no solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin back to NCG but using the full wipe tar file found here. Then root again with towelroot. Download supersu from playstore. Update binaries and reboot. Install busybody from playstore and install. Install safestrap. You should be good to go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
Tulsadiver said:
Odin back to NCG but using the full wipe tar file found here. Then root again with towelroot. Download supersu from playstore. Update binaries and reboot. Install busybody from playstore and install. Install safestrap. You should be good to go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done this 3 times now thinking that I had a bad flash or something. Still I am not able to flash any roms with safestrap. I get failed EVERYTIME! This is with multiple downloads so I know they are not bad downloads. I have also tried using flashfire. I am wondering if I should odin and flash up then back to ncg since the newer ones repartition differently?
jhr5474 said:
I have done this 3 times now thinking that I had a bad flash or something. Still I am not able to flash any roms with safestrap. I get failed EVERYTIME! This is with multiple downloads so I know they are not bad downloads. I have also tried using flashfire. I am wondering if I should odin and flash up then back to ncg since the newer ones repartition differently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it sure can't hurt.
jhr5474 said:
I have done this 3 times now thinking that I had a bad flash or something. Still I am not able to flash any roms with safestrap. I get failed EVERYTIME! This is with multiple downloads so I know they are not bad downloads. I have also tried using flashfire. I am wondering if I should odin and flash up then back to ncg since the newer ones repartition differently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like that pit file messed things up. I've always stayed away from it. I'm guessing you used it with Beantowns full NGC tar. Maybe you should try it again. You could use Misterxtcs this time. Other than that you could try connecting a thumb drive directly to your phone and see if Flashfire can see zips on it. Won't fix anything but it might get you on Moar. I know you've tried a lot of times and this is getting old. I've also heard of people trying different versions of Odin in trying to find one that works for their specific problem.
You could also try connecting to kies to see if their emergency recovery might help.
Edit: everything I read says to leave that pit file alone unless you are bricked. Your idea of flashing a firmware from higher up sounds like a good plan. Maybe OC4.
SOLVED! I bought a crappy SD from geek.Com 128gb put a 4 gb in and I was able to see zips and flash fine with flashfire.
Running themed MOAR and loving it. Thanks guys.

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